Chapter 6: Problem 37
$$ y=3 x-2 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph of \(y=3x-2\) is a straight line with a slope of 3 and y-intercept of -2. It passes through the points (0, -2) and increases by 3 on the y-axis for every increase of 1 on the x-axis.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the slope and y-intercept
In the equation \(y=3x-2\), the coefficient of \(x\) is the slope, which is 3. This means for every increase in 1 in \(x\), \(y\) will increase by 3. The y-intercept is the constant term, which is -2. The y-intercept is where the line crosses the y-axis.
02
Plot the y-intercept on the graph
The y-intercept is -2, so place a point on -2 on the y-axis. This point is (0, -2).
03
Use the slope to plot the next point
From the y-intercept, count 3 units up (since the slope is 3) and 1 unit to the right (since the slope is rise over run, or up 3 for right 1). Plot a second point here. Repeat this step to plot a few more points.
04
Draw the graph
Connect all the points drawn in the previous step with a straight line to create the graph of the equation \(y=3x-2\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Slope
The **slope** is a key concept when working with linear equations. It represents how steep the line is on a graph. In the equation \( y = 3x - 2 \), the slope is the number next to \( x \), which is 3. This means that for every 1 unit increase in \( x \), \( y \) increases by 3 units. So, the slope is essentially the ratio of the rise (the change in \( y \)) over the run (the change in \( x \)). This gives you an idea of the line's direction and steepness:
- Positive Slope: The line goes upwards from left to right.
- Negative Slope: The line goes downwards from left to right.
- Zero Slope: The line is horizontal.
- Undefined Slope: The line is vertical.
Y-intercept
The **y-intercept** is another fundamental part of understanding linear equations. In the equation \( y = 3x - 2 \), the y-intercept is -2. This term does not involve \( x \), indicating where the line crosses the y-axis. In practical terms, it tells you the starting value of \( y \) when \( x \) is 0. Here is why it's important:
- The y-intercept helps to graph the line as it provides a specific point.
- It shows real-world applications, such as initial conditions before any change occurs.
- When graphing, the y-intercept provides one of the easiest points to plot.
Graphing Linear Equations
**Graphing linear equations** involves plotting points on a graph and drawing a line through them. The basic aim is to represent the solution set of the equation visually. Here's how you can do it with an equation like \( y = 3x - 2 \):
- Start with the y-intercept, which is -2. Plot this on the y-axis at point (0, -2).
- Use the slope to determine the next points. For a slope of 3, go up 3 units and right 1 unit to find the next point.
- Repeat the step above to ensure accuracy with more points.
- Draw a straight line through all the plotted points.
Coordinate Plane
The **coordinate plane** provides a landscape where linear equations like \( y = 3x - 2 \) can be graphically represented. It consists of a horizontal axis (x-axis) and a vertical axis (y-axis) that intersect at the origin (0,0). Here's how the coordinate plane helps in graphing:
- The x-axis and y-axis divide the plane into four quadrants, helping in the placement of points.
- This system allows you to pinpoint exact locations, using pairs \((x, y)\).
- Linear equations, graphed as lines, show how \( y \) changes with \( x \) across the plane.